PSI-Air Force overcame Taguig, 72-61, last Sunday to sweep the finals of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Season 1 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Gemma Miranda scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds for PSI Air in Game 2 to lead the Lady Air Defenders to the title in the women’s basketball league’s inaugural season.
A member of the Gilas Pilipinas Women in the recent FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in India, Miranda was also named finals MVP for her efforts in the entire series.
PSI Air was dominant from the start, even once holding a 26-point lead on its way to sweeping the championship series.
The Lady Air Defenders also completed their Cinderella run by winning the crown despite being the fourth seed in the semifinals. They finished fourth in the eliminations with a 4-2 card, then swept the playoffs — including an upset series win over top-ranked Philippine Navy.
Anna Buendia churned 12 points, while Cindy Resultay had 11 points and nine rebounds in PSI-Air’s victory in Game 2.
National standout Janine Pontejos won the season MVP, receiving the award ahead of Game 2. She had 21 points in the match, though the Lady Generals still fell short of grabbing the title.
Led by the efforts of Ambie Almazan and Kat Sandel, the Lady Air Defenders went on an 8-0 start and had a 14-2 led after a jumper by Buendia. Miranda then hit back-to-back baskets for PSI-Air to grab a 30-14 lead.
PSI-Air continued to dominate, as Fria Bernardo converted a jumper late in the third quarter to increase the lead to 57-31 in Game 2.
The Scores:
PSI Air Force 72 – Miranda 23, Buendia 12, Resultay 11, Columna 8, Sandel 7, Almazan 7, Bernardo 4, Ortega 0, Tecson 0, Avila 0, Paig 0.
Taguig 61 – Pontejos 21, Sto. Domingo 10, Borja 8, Cabinbin 7, Sambile 6, Gelisan 3, Garcia 2, Flormata 2, Lavalle 2, Comeso 0, Roque 0.
Quarterscores: 19-11, 37-21, 57-36, 72-61.
